Emmanuel Labor exists to combat homelessness. The end-game of dealing with the issue of homelessness invariably means getting people back to a home, but after any amount of critical thinking, one’s forced to ask what that even looks like. What is the real definition of home to the homeless? Is “home” simply a house or apartment where they can stay indoors? Is “home” moving back in with parents or a relative? Is “home” a place where they’re in charge? Is that even a good thing for some people? It’s absolutely critical to ask what “home” really means, because virtually no one currently out on the streets started out that way. They once had a place they could call home, but they left it or it was taken away. Access to subsidized housing and shelters is relatively easy for anyone seeking it, but that doesn’t mean they’re home or have a home.

Home…at least, the right kind of home, is a place to grow, to have peace, and to belong. Getting someone to that point is a process, often a long and complicated process. It starts with what we do at Emmanuel Labor and that’s simply getting to know the person, finding out why they’re even on the streets in the first place, taking care of immediate needs if we can, but striving to build a healthy relationship with them.

Part of our goal is to also change the mindset about homelessness and labeling it simply as a situation that some people are in, rather than a definition of who that person is. Society too often prejudges people on the streets with a myriad of negative characteristics without even recognizing their underlying humanity. It’s a stigma that plays a role in proliferating the issue for people that aren’t even given a chance to improve their circumstances.

Followers of Christ in particular are charged with setting the example of loving all people regardless of what society thinks or says about them. Emmanuel Labor was designed to coalesce faith-based instruction and practical resources for lending a helping hand the right way and with long-term assistance in mind. We encourage you to browse through our resource library to find out things you can do immediately and by yourself that will reprogram your heart and mind to see each person as the masterpiece God created them to be. You can also support our cause by either donating or volunteering on our weekly outreaches. If you’re interested in having Paul come speak at your church, organization, or small group, please contact Paul directly at paul@emmanuellabor.org.